PBA and FOP shields are mostly a New York and New Jersey thing. If you are not from the area, the idea might be unfamiliar. A close relative who is a current or retired police officer receives a limited number of brass police shields, which they pass along to family. You display one inside your car in plain view. When pulled over for a minor infraction, the officer spots the shield and may let you off with a warning. That is the idea, anyway. Whether it actually works depends on what you did and who pulled you over, but people display them regardless.
These shields are not for sale. The only legitimate way to get one is through a close relative in law enforcement. What is for sale is the mount that holds it to your windshield, and that is what this article covers. FOP and FMBA shields work the same way, and everything here applies to those too.
| Mount | Best For | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| 911 Specialties Compact Holder | Standard-size shields, lowest profile | T-style |
| 911 Specialties Y-Style Holder | Larger shields needing extra spread | Y-style |
| 911 Specialties Extra Large Holder | Oversized shields, maximum holding power | T-style, dual cups |
How PBA Shield Mounts Work
Most PBA shields are made of metal and attach to a metal post with mounting holes drilled into it. That post slides into a plastic holder, typically cut from acrylic, shaped to hold the shield steady while suction cups at each end press against the inside of your windshield. Some people add a strip of hook-and-loop tape for extra security, but the suction cups do the main job.
The holder itself almost never wears out, and a quality set of suction cups can last for years under normal conditions. The two things that actually cause problems are picking the wrong shape or size for your shield, and letting the suction cups age out without replacing them. Both are easy to fix once you know what to look for, and both are covered below.
One thing worth knowing up front: these holders are sold as the mount only. The shield itself is never included and is not something any retailer can legally sell you. If you have a relative in law enforcement who has passed one along, the holder is the only piece you need to buy.
T-Style vs. Y-Style: Which Shape Do You Need
Shield holders come in two basic shapes, and the shape matters more than most buyers expect. A T-style holder has a single horizontal crossbar that the post slides into, with suction cups at each end of that bar. It has a compact footprint and a low profile, which makes it a good fit for standard-size PBA, FOP, and FMBA shields where you want minimum view obstruction on the windshield.
A Y-style holder spreads the suction cups into a wider triangular pattern instead of a straight line. That wider base distributes the shield’s weight across more contact points, which matters once a shield gets larger or heavier than the standard size. If your shield is oversized, or if a compact holder has ever felt like it is straining to keep up, the Y-style is the one to get.
Standard Size vs. Extra Large
Beyond shape, the other variable is size. The 911 Specialties Compact Holder is built for standard PBA, FOP, and FMBA shields. It uses 1-7/8 inch suction cups and keeps a low profile so it does not block your view through the windshield. For most people carrying a standard-issue shield from a relative, this is the right starting point.
If your shield runs larger than standard, or you simply want a stronger hold, the 911 Specialties Extra Large Holder steps up the size and adds dual suction cups at each mounting point instead of single cups. That doubled contact area is the difference-maker for heavier shields that tend to sag or slide on a smaller mount.
All three options here are made in the USA by former law enforcement and cut from cast acrylic, which holds up better over time than cheaper stamped plastic.
Installing the Mount
Installation on all three of these holders works the same way regardless of shape or size. Clean the section of windshield you plan to use, press the suction cups firmly against the glass, and give each one a few seconds to seat before letting go. Pick a spot low enough on the windshield that it does not interfere with your view of the road, but high enough that it is clearly visible to anyone approaching the driver’s side window.
Once the holder is seated, slide your shield’s post into the bracket. On most shields this is a simple drop-in fit with no tools required. If the post does not seat all the way, do not force it. Double check that you have the right holder for your shield’s post dimensions before pushing harder.
Give the suction cups a day before relying on the mount in heavy traffic or rough roads. A fresh suction cup grips better after it has had time to fully settle against the glass than it does in the first few minutes after installation.
Replacing Worn Suction Cups
If your holder is structurally fine but the suction cups have dried out and stopped gripping, you do not need a new mount. The cups on these holders are screwed in place, which makes replacement straightforward with nothing more than a screwdriver and the right replacement cups.
The detail that trips people up is the pilot hole. Replacement suction cups need a small hole drilled or molded into the top of the cup so a screw can pass through and anchor it to the bracket. A standard suction cup bought off the shelf without that hole will not work here, no matter how strong the suction rating looks on the package.
A set like the HSTECH 8-Pack Suction Cups includes the pilot hole and fits the screw pattern used on these holders, which makes it a workable replacement option when your existing cups have aged out.
To swap them: back out the old screws, lift away the dried-out cups, position the new ones over the mounting points, and run the original screws back through the pilot holes. Go slowly. Driving the screw too far can punch through the top of the cup and ruin the seal before you have even installed it. If you have a choice of screw, a machine screw is safer than a pointed wood screw, since a wood screw’s tip is more likely to crack the acrylic or split the cup.
Keeping the Mount on the Windshield
Even a good suction cup fails early if the windshield is not clean. The inside of a windshield builds up a greasy film over time from outgassing of interior plastics, and that film is the number one reason suction cups stop holding. Before installing any shield mount, clean the glass thoroughly with a cleaner that contains alcohol, and wipe the cups themselves while you are at it. That alone will dramatically extend how long the mount stays put.
In extreme heat, summer parking lots especially, suction cups of any kind are prone to losing their grip temporarily. If you live somewhere with hot summers, consider removing the shield mount and keeping it out of direct sunlight when the car is parked for extended periods in full sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will one holder fit PBA, FOP, and FMBA shields the same way?
Yes. All three shield types use a similar post-and-bracket design, so the same holder generally works across all of them. What matters more is the size and weight of your specific shield rather than which organization issued it.
Can I buy the shield itself anywhere?
No. PBA, FOP, and FMBA shields are distributed to current and retired officers and passed along to close relatives. They are not sold by any retailer, including the companies that make these holders. The holder is the only purchasable part of this setup.
Will the suction cups damage my windshield?
No, as long as the glass is clean before you apply the cups and you avoid leaving the mount in direct, intense heat for extended stretches. A clean cup on clean glass comes off without residue.
How do I know if I need the Y-style instead of the standard T-style?
If your shield is noticeably larger or heavier than a standard issue shield, or if a compact holder has ever felt like it was struggling to hold the weight, the wider stance of the Y-style holder will generally serve you better.
For other windshield-mounted accessories, see our guides to radar detector mounts and suction cup phone mounts.
